Career and technology students help students get a head start

Jesse Flament is studying masonry for a reason.
“It’s the family business,” said the Charleroi student who attends Mon Valley Career and Technology Center.
Beth-Center junior Adam Mikolay sees another reason to learn masonry.
“I can make a career out of it and make a lot of money,” he said.
Representatives from area career and technology centers say their students can graduate from high school with nationally recognized certifications that enable them to obtain good-paying jobs. They say they get calls from area businesses asking for workers certified in specific areas.
“We can get kids coming out of here that go to the electrical union; after a two-year apprenticeship, they can make $40,000 or better, just working straight hours,” said Bradley Dei Cas, administrative director for Mon Valley Career and Technology Center.
Students can get jobs right after graduation or get credit toward associate degrees, said Jan Quailey, Greene County Career and Technology director.
“You feel like you’re the best-kept secret,” said Linda Murphy, assistant director at Greene technology center.
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